Houston facial plastic surgeon Dr. Sanaz Harirchian believes that everyone deserves to feel confident in their appearance. If you are unhappy with the way your nose looks, you have options. Rhinoplasty surgery or non-surgical liquid rhinoplasty can deliver beautiful aesthetic results. Each method offers distinct advantages and each is suitable for different goals and patient needs. Here’s a breakdown of each approach to help you determine which treatment option might be the right choice for you.
What is a Liquid Rhinoplasty?
Liquid rhinoplasty, also known as a non-surgical nose job, is a temporary, minimally invasive procedure that uses injectable fillers to reshape the nose. By carefully placing dermal filler in key areas, Dr. Sanaz can:
- Smooth out small humps
- Refine asymmetries
- Enhance the bridge or tip
Unlike surgery, there’s no downtime, and results are immediate and may be reversible if hyaluronic acid fillers are used. Most patients enjoy their new look for up to 18 months before the filler gradually dissolves.
“It’s important to note that liquid rhinoplasty is an additive treatment,” Dr. Sanaz explains. “That means it enhances the nose’s shape by adding volume, not removing or restructuring underlying tissues. It cannot make the nose smaller or address breathing issues.”
What You Need to Know About Surgical Rhinoplasty
Surgical rhinoplasty is a permanent solution that reshapes the nose by modifying its internal framework: bone, cartilage, and soft tissue. This advanced procedure can:
- Refine nasal shape, size, or projection
- Address trauma or congenital asymmetries
- Improve airflow and resolve nasal congestion
Dr. Sanaz performs both cosmetic and functional rhinoplasty with surgical precision, ensuring natural-looking results that preserve your unique features.
Surgical rhinoplasty can be reductive, meaning that underlying tissue and bone are removed during surgery to achieve aesthetic or functional goals, or additive (i.e., augmenting or adding shape), depending on your treatment plan.
How Does Liquid Rhinoplasty Compare to Rhinoplasty Surgery?
Liquid Rhinoplasty | Surgical Rhinoplasty | |
| What kind of concerns can it address? | Most often used to improve symmetry and contours and subtly reshape the nose | Can change size, shape, projection, and underlying nasal structures |
| How quick are the results? | Immediate results | Results take time, up to a year for swelling to fully subside |
| How long do results last? | Results last up to 18 months | Results are permanent |
| What is the effect on breathing? | None | Can improve breathing issues |
| What is the investment? | Lower up-front cost | Higher investment; permanent value |
| What safety factors should be considered? | Minimally invasive, no anesthesia | More invasive and performed with general anesthesia |
| How long is recovery? | No downtime needed | Typically one week off work |
If I Get Liquid Rhinoplasty Now, Can I Get Surgical Rhinoplasty Later?
Yes, liquid rhinoplasty can be a great option for people considering surgical rhinoplasty. This temporary, minimally invasive procedure can be a kind of “trial run” for permanent surgical rhinoplasty. Many patients who want nose surgery, but are still in the decision-making phase, will have liquid rhinoplasty to “try on” potential results.
How Do I Know Which Procedure Is Right For Me?
We know that getting any kind of procedure is a big decision, and there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. There are many factors to consider when deciding which option may be right for you—your goals, your lifestyle, and your budget will all factor in.
“No matter which procedure I’m doing, my aim is to enhance what already makes you beautiful,” Dr. Sanaz says. “Whether we’re using filler or performing surgery, the most important part of the process is listening to your concerns, goals, and story.”
The best way to determine whether liquid rhinoplasty or surgical rhinoplasty is right for you is to schedule a consultation appointment with Dr. Sanaz. She will examine your nose, answer any questions, and discuss your desired outcome. Once you decide, she’ll create a customized treatment plan to help you achieve natural-looking results that enhance your appearance.
From Fillers to Rhinoplasty Surgery—Dr. Harirchian Is Here to Guide You
Dr. Sanaz Harirchian is a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon specializing exclusively in face and neck procedures. Her background in both aesthetic artistry and functional nasal surgery ensures that your rhinoplasty, whether surgical or non-surgical, is tailored to your unique features and performed with precision.
Looking for expert rhinoplasty in Houston? Whether you’re exploring a non-surgical nose job or considering surgical rhinoplasty, Dr. Sanaz is ready to help you feel confident in your decision and beautiful in your results.